World Kidney Day 8 March 2012

The Silent Killer

Some 10 000 South Africans die from kidney disease and kidney failure every year while the lives of thousands of others are negatively impacted by these medical conditions. Some 10% of people around the world suffer from some form of kidney disease.

Kidney disease is sometimes known as the silent killer because it often develops gradually over time without giving the sufferer any warning until it the kidneys are irreparably damaged. Therefore, we should all ensure that we take the necessary steps to ensure our kidneys stay healthy.

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to explore certain important healthcare issues. This article looks at the subject of TB and how it can be prevented and treated this World TB Day, 24 March 2012.

Vital organs
Each of our two kidneys is not particularly large; they are about the size of our fist, but they are among the most important organs in our body and are vital to our health and well-being.

What function do they have?
Our kidneys make sure that our bodies retain the substances that we need in order to stay healthy while at the same time keep our blood free of toxins. Our kidneys manufacture important chemicals for the body, break down unnecessary or dangerous chemicals and eliminate toxic waste.

One of the more important functions of the kidneys is to filter wastes from the blood. Wastes and extra water are processed into urine, which travels via tubes called ureters to the bladder.

Why do kidneys fail?
The National Kidney Foundation of South Africa says that says that kidneys fail for various reasons. For example they may be damaged by poison or an accident, which may cause kidney function to deteriorate quickly. Kidneys may also be attacked by disease such as diabetic kidney disease, high blood pressure, glomerular diseases and inherited disorders such as polycystic kidney disease.

Most kidney disease in South Africa is caused by high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes are often made worse or even caused by poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle. Improving these in younger people could therefore go some way to helping prevent individuals develop chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease
In most cases of kidney disease the deterioration in kidney function is relatively slow. This is called chronic kidney disease. If the deterioration in the kidneys is not picked up by healthcare professionals early enough, the kidneys may be permanently damaged. Chronic kidney disease is not curable, but if it is caught early it can often be slowed a great deal. It is therefore important for us to ensure that our kidneys are functioning properly.

Kidney failure
Kidney failure occurs when there is total or near-total loss in the functioning of the kidneys. This causes an accumulation of water, waste, and toxic substances. People with kidney failure will either need dialysis or kidney transplantation to stay alive.

Symptoms
As the kidneys perform so many different functions kidney disease can present with many different kinds of symptoms. The following are some of the more common:

• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• Feelings of fatigue and general weakness
• High blood pressure
• Swelling in the legs
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Headaches
• Numbness in the feet or hands
• Bleeding and the fracturing of the bones
• Decreased interest in sex, and sexual dysfunction

Screening for kidney disease
Should you have concerns regarding your kidney function you can ask your doctor to screen you for kidney disease. He or she will perform a simple urine dipstick test, which can help identify kidney problems. Your doctor may also want to do a blood test if he or she wants to check the health of your kidneys.

Keeping your kidneys healthy
The following steps should be taken if you wish to keep your kidneys healthy and functioning well:

• Adopt a healthy lifestyle - eat healthy balanced meals with lots of fruit and vegetables
• Give up smoking
• Give up or at least cut down on alcohol
• Avoid toxins in your environment
• Manage medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels with your doctor
• Ask your doctor if you should take medications to slow down kidney damage

Creating awareness
World Kidney Day is on 8 March this year and the National Kidney Foundation uses the day as a means to create awareness about this all-important human organ and how to keep it healthy.

Sources:
eMedicineHealth, Kidney disease - www.emedicinehealth.com/chronic_kidney_disease/page4_em.htm
National Kidney Foundation of South Africa - www.nkf.co.za
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse - http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov